Engine builder scam

[Michael Quinn]

I was refered to another builder who was local to me (2 hrs. away). I left a block out of a running car that I tore down and visually inspected. After 1 1/2 years of excuses I made it a habit of visitiing his shop every Thursday (4 hour round trip) and saw that many engines were coming in and leaving and mine sat in the corner. I always came loaded with two questions: "what can I do to make this any better, and how much longer". This guy was an expert in stories - lies as I learned later. He might build a great engine, but he failed miserably with mine! One day (after 3 years now!!!) he shoved my engine block off the work stand onto the concrete floor! He "discovered" a crack in the water jacket in the front pass. side. He said the 460 blocks always do this (anybody have any experience to back this statement? have not seen it on any of the ford postings (nor this site)) Two weeks later I went there, picked up my stuff and left (I could not have done it that day I would have hurt someone). I will gladly share "the rest of the story" of Stan Stayley of Gastonia, NC to anyone interested. I thought I covered my bases - but put way too much money down (mostly to buy heads and other parts - 50% on machine work 50% on completion).